Spearmint oil is herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant growing 30–100 cm tall, with variably hairless to hairy stems and foliage, and a wide-spreading fleshy underground rhizome. The leaves are 5–9 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The stem is square-shaped, a trademark of the mint family of herbs. Spearmint or Spear Mint is a species of mint native to much of Europe and southwest Asia; though it is exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive early cultivation.
It is extracted from the flowering tops of the plant by steam distillation. This herb grows up to approximately 3 feet tall with green leaves and pink or purple flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean and has a sweet, mint-like aroma. We use Chinese spearmint oil.
Spearmint oil is used to flavor chewing gum, toothpaste, sweets, and to modify peppermint, which is then known as double mint.
Aroma therapists use to treat digestive problems, skin conditions, headaches and stress. Spearmint is used in blends with lavender and jasmine. It is popular as a soap perfume and we have used this mint in our Demon in the Dark soap. Spearmint is an herb. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine.
Spearmint is applied directly to the skin for swelling inside the mouth, arthritis, local muscle and nerve pain and skin conditions including pruritus and urticaria. In foods and beverages, spearmint is used as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, spearmint is used in health food products, cosmetics, and oral hygiene products such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
The health benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, emenagogue and insecticide, restorative and stimulant substance.
Although its aroma is similar to that of peppermint, due to the presence of menthol, its menthol content is negligible as compared to that of peppermint oil. Spearmint oil has been a substitute for peppermint when it is unavailable, and possesses similar medicinal properties, due to the presence of similar compounds in its essential oil. Instances of its use in ancient Greece have even been found in historical records.
Benefit & Uses:Spearmint grows well in nearly all temperate climates. Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters due to its invasive spreading roots. The plant prefers partial shade, but can flourish in full sun to mostly shade. Spearmint is best suited to loamy soils with plenty of organic material.
Spearmint leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. They can also be preserved in salt, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, or oil. The leaves lose their aromatic appeal after the plant flowers. It can be dried by cutting just before or right (at peak) as the flowers open, about 1/2 to 3/4 the way down the stalk (leaving smaller shoots room to grow). There is some dispute as to what drying method works best; some prefer different materials (such as plastic or cloth) and different lighting conditions (such as darkness or sunlight).
This oil works well as an antiseptic for wounds and ulcers, protecting them from becoming septic or developing other infections, while also helping them to heal faster. Essential Oil of Spearmint comes from its menthol content, which has a relaxing and cooling effect on the nerves and muscles, and helps to relax contractions in the case of spasms. Therefore, it is frequently prescribed to provide effective relief from spasmodic coughs, aches, pulling sensations and aches in the abdominal region and intestines. This includes its ability to soothe muscle strains or cramps, nervous convulsions, and even spasmodic cholera.
The function of a restorative is to restore health and maintain proper functioning of all the organ systems operating in the body. A restorative also helps to repair the damage done to the body and aid in the recovery from injuries and wounds. It also helps people to regain strength after long bouts of illness.
The relaxing properties of Essential Oil of Spearmint induce relaxation in the intestines and muscles of the abdominal region, thereby helping the gases formed in stomach and intestines to pass out of the body naturally. This provides relief from many health concerns, including uneasiness and restlessness, insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain, vomiting, cramps and other related symptoms.
This oil has a relaxing and cooling effect on the brain, which removes stress on our cognitive center. It helps people to concentrate, and since it is a cephalic substance, it helps to cure headaches and other stress related neural problems. This oil is supposed to be good for the overall health and protection of the brain as well.